Gauteng police arrest 13 linked to G20 Summit crime wave

Gauteng police have confirmed that 13 suspects have been arrested for crimes linked to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, as law enforcement agencies intensify security operations around the high-profile gathering. The arrests follow a series of targeted interventions aimed at preventing disruptions and safeguarding the movement of world leaders across Johannesburg.

According to police, the suspects face a range of charges including hijacking, vandalism, public violence and malicious damage to property. Investigators believe several incidents were carried out with the intention of interfering with summit logistics or exploiting the security footprint for criminal opportunity.

The cluster of arrests includes a man apprehended after attempting to hijack a vehicle assigned to G20 security personnel, allegedly using an imitation firearm. In another incident, officers detained an individual described as an explosives specialist after he trespassed near the Nasrec precinct, prompting immediate intervention.

Authorities also linked a number of the suspects to acts of vandalism targeting G20 signage and infrastructure in the days leading up to the summit. Gauteng officials condemned the incidents as both reckless and deliberate, adding that the province would maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward any conduct that threatens public safety or seeks to undermine the event.

Police say the operations remain intelligence-driven, with roadblocks, corridor patrols, tactical deployments and surveillance measures continuing throughout the summit period. The security cluster has emphasised that cooperation between provincial units, national structures and specialised teams has been critical in addressing emerging threats swiftly.

With two days of the summit now concluded, authorities say they are satisfied that intensified policing has prevented any major disruptions. However, they warn that security measures will remain in place until every delegation has safely departed.